Voter participation was evident on 9 November 2025 as 60 percent turned out for Independent High Electoral Commission’s (IHEC) special voting for Iraq’s parliamentary elections, according to midday data released by IRNA English +2 media on 9 November 2025.
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The special election involves over 1.3 million security and armed-forces personnel as well as IDPs who will cast their vote ahead of the general election slated for 11 November, according to Anadolu Ajansi and Ina.
What Do the Numbers Reveal
By noon, IHEC reported that approximately 805,941 out of approximately 1,313,980 registered security personnel had cast their votes–representing approximately 60 percent participation rate among this cohort. 964media
Turnout among IDPs had also dropped significantly by this point; only 10,206 of 26,538 registered displaced voters had cast ballots, representing approximately 38 percent.
Regional differences were clear. Turnout rates within the Kurdistan Region were particularly robust: Erbil, Sulaymaniyah and Duhok all reported rates greater than 75% according to IHEC regional officials. Channel8 (+13)
Central and southern provinces reportedly had lower participation levels for the special voting at midday. WHY THIS SPECIAL VOTING MATTERS

This special vote stage is intended to enable security force members and displaced persons with mobility constraints early access to cast their ballots, in light of their anticipated role in the general elections. It seeks to promote inclusivity and reduce participation barriers among these groups. Anadolu Ajansi hosts this measure.
Security personnel were evidently highly motivated for today’s vote, which will decide all 329 seats of Iraq’s Council of Representatives and form its next government in a context of intense political competition and reform demands. Anadolu Ajansi reported.
Security and transparency factors.

United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI), has expressed satisfaction at how smoothly polling centers have been organized across Iraq. Voting process appears to be taking place without incident across the nation.
IHEC highlighted that its special vote would take place under full confidentiality and in cooperation with security forces to guarantee order and integrity.
As observers note, however, the lower turnout among displaced persons demonstrates ongoing difficulties in reaching all eligible voters amid security, logistical and infrastructural restrictions. Ensuring IDP votes are counted accurately and polling stations remain accessible will be crucial prior to general elections in November.

What to Keep an Eye Out for A key consideration will be whether turnout in this special election reaches or surpasses 60%, and how this compares with prior elections.

Compares strong participation by security forces with general population turnout on 11 November.

Consider whether increased turnout in Kurdistan Region serves as an indicator for greater engagement across Iraq.

How IHEC addresses participation gaps among displaced voters and ensures no major irregularities are reported leading up to elections.

Consideration should also be given to how this turnout could impact on the legitimacy and mandate of an incoming legislature, particularly in an environment in which voter turnout has long been an obstacle.

Conclusion With over 60 percent of Iraq’s security personnel voting in the special parliamentary vote on 11 November, Iraq’s 2025 elections cycle started out with a robust show of engagement – particularly among those often constrained by duty. Now comes 11 November’s wider public turnout and whether electoral institutions can deliver an inclusive process; but for now these early numbers signal cautious optimism for its democratic process.